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My mother gave me a 1974 914 about 14 years ago, and mentioned it might be a limited edition. It has sat in my driveway for 14 years, neglected. It is not in good shape.

I have gone over the markers on Jeff's CanAm register information page, and it does match some of the indications: Paint code matches the black (L-041), it has the front spoiler (aftermarket), is VIN number 4742914557 (right in the middle of the production run), the targa bar does not have vinyl and looks original, etc.

However, it has some problems: it has a salvage title due to a flood, it has been painted all black, the engine has been replaced with a 1973 2.0L, some of the trim does not match, and it is in really rough shape. It would need a serious rebuild plus rust mitigation to bring back to a nice condition.

The chrome bumpers would indicate that it isn't an LE. The rear trim is the right color but the anodize or whatever they did to blacken it looks correct.

The other indicator is the lack of vinyl but that isn't even an absolute. My 73 2.0 which I bought from the original owner never had the vinyl though most literature indicates that they all came with the Appearance Package which included vinyl.

The other thing you can check is behind the front spoiler. If it was an LE, it will have two mounting brackets that were attached as support for the LE spoiler. If it doesn't have them, it definitely isn't an LE.

If you decide to part out, I'm interested in the wheels and the passenger side rocker if it isn't too rusty.

Jeff was very helpful, but he could not say yes or no as he did not see it in person. In the end, I tried to be very honest: some parts look right, others do not. So, I have no idea. I would treat it as a gamble.

Todd

QUOTE(iwanta914-6 @ Mar 20 2017, 01:22 PM)

QUOTE(williethewimp @ Mar 19 2017, 10:52 PM)

On a side note: I want to thank Jeff B. for his advice with this car. He has been super helpful.

If he's been talking to Jeff, then I'm sure he's walked him through all of the important areas when determining if it has a chance of being a LE.

First time I've seen seat brackets rust off, so safe to say it's going to need new floors and because of the flooding bottom of the rockers are probably toast too. Add the rear trunk and likely the front trunk and it's a major time/money investment.

LE carries more value for being special, but salvage title kills that as a collectable. Floods kill engines and trannys so that's an investment too. So basically you've got a rusty CA parts car with no special value unless someone really wants to save an LE, assuming the numbers match.

Targa top has been painted, so all bets are off for the typical signs of an LE.

My mother gave me a 1974 914 about 14 years ago, and mentioned it might be a limited edition. It has sat in my driveway for 14 years, neglected. It is not in good shape.

I have gone over the markers on Jeff's CanAm register information page, and it does match some of the indications: Paint code matches the black (L-041), it has the front spoiler (aftermarket), is VIN number 4742914557 (right in the middle of the production run), the targa bar does not have vinyl and looks original, etc.

However, it has some problems: it has a salvage title due to a flood, it has been painted all black, the engine has been replaced with a 1973 2.0L, some of the trim does not match, and it is in really rough shape. It would need a serious rebuild plus rust mitigation to bring back to a nice condition.

Followup: The car is sold, and while we were loading it on the trailer, I saw lots of bright yellow paint behind the lower valance (?), inside the front wheel well. So, another sign that the jury is out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

So, the car is off to a new owner. Thanks for all of the advice and commentary.

Todd

QUOTE(87m491 @ Mar 22 2017, 09:15 AM)

Hhmmm, removing these bolt up supports doesn't unmake an LE.

QUOTE(Sea Dragon 914 @ Mar 20 2017, 12:01 PM)

If it was an LE, it will have two mounting brackets that were attached as support for the LE spoiler. If it doesn't have them, it definitely isn't an LE.

I get confused (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) when an owner goes to the trouble to check the car out and then does not just dial up PCNA to verify if the VIN is a LE. I would have done that and then put it on eBay.

He likely sold it for around $2K and left $4K on the table. Oh well, hopefully the new owner loves his purchase and is a member here.

I get confused (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) when an owner goes to the trouble to check the car out and then does not just dial up PCNA to verify if the VIN is a LE. I would have done that and then put it on eBay.

He likely sold it for around $2K and left $4K on the table. Oh well, hopefully the new owner loves his purchase and is a member here.

I have owned 3 bumblebees. The original engine and probably transmission were lost, probably in the flood. It had a salvage title from said flood. I watched it bid up from $3600.00 4 minutes from the end to $6400.00. In the past I have not paid attention to originality and have been burned. Now, I am a little conservative when it comes to originality. I think both the buyer and seller did well